Wayland Willingham: Undefeated and No Plan to Change

On March 21, one of the numbers in Wayland Willingham’s 13-0 record will change. No one in his inner circle doubts which one, either. They say he’ll take down his opponent when they square off on the under card of the Aaron Pryor, Jr – Alphonso Williams bout, an ESPN2-televised event at the Mohegan Sun arena.“Wayland is ready, you can be sure of that,” says Sam Bunch (pictured above left, alongside Wayland and assistant trainers Lawrence Oliver and Gunther Fishgold). Sam has been Wayland’s trainer and friend since the welterweight first stepped between the ropes 15 years ago.

Wayland took the time to talk last week before his workout at the Troy Boys and Girls Club. His opponent has yet to be determined, but it doesn’t matter. When you’re ready, your opponent is irrelevant, I guess. Wayland exudes a serene, humble kind of confidence that’s almost disarming. This is a young man at peace with himself.

“It’s all about focus.” He says. “I know what I need to do.” And he’s been right so far. Wayland has dispatched some respectable opponents, letting us all know that he’s ready for the big fights that are sure to come his way, and soon. Among his victories are the likes of Shakha Moore, Damon Antoine, and Carlos Molina.

Wayland is a dangerous fighter known to confuse his opponents with his southpaw stance and ability to move and make the entire ring is his backyard.

But what strikes you when you talk to him is his depth. There’s a mature understanding behind that intensity and focus, something supporting it besides force of will. “Boxing, you know, is just a mirror of life. And like life, it’s as much about how you react when you’re hit.” Boxing, like life, will test you, he goes on to explain. “You have to expect that and accept that.”

Wayland credits his balance and sense of perspective to his family; mainly his father, Elijah and mother, Wanda. Wanda Willingham is the highly respected member of the Albany County Legislature. He also credits his deep Christian faith. “My faith is always, always at the center of everything.” Oh, this is no two-dimensional slugger.

Wayland wants a world title. Then, he’ll finish what he started, a degree in Human Services, with a minor in Business Administration, from Clayton State University in Atlanta.

When asked to name his inspiration from the boxing world, his big influence coming up, Wayland stared at the rafters for a moment, and said, “Tony Marshall.” Tony, the Guyana-born Albany fighter whose 37-13 record included a fight for the WBC Light Middleweight Title, guided the young Wayland.

“Tony had the best work ethic of anybody I’ve known,” adding, “He’s just a great person, inside and outside of the ring.” It seems Wayland may have already matched his mentor.

The Mohegan Sun bout will brought to us by Pugnacious Promotions. The successful local promotional enterprise will be featured in this space later in the week.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Golden Gloves Fans – Don’t Forget This Friday’s Event ! !

March 14 @ 7:00 p.m.
Troy Boys and Girls Club
1700 7th Avenue
Troy, New York